Review of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Take time to find the things that you're best at and the things that interest you the most, especially if you're not sure what you want to study in college. When it comes to making friends and meeting new people, BE YOURSELF. People will respect and appreciate you for that.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
You will be challenged at UNC - there's no escaping that - but if you've done reasonably well in high school, doing well here is within your reach. For many, it just takes time to get used to a new environment and higher expectations. I'd say the difference between doing well and doing poorly lies in your class selection. You will be placed with an academic advisor, who will help you create a balanced schedule, so you can find space for classes that are required and classes that you find genuinely interesting. Unless you really have to, DON'T take more than five classes per semester, because each class may require a bit more than you're used to.
And don't be afraid to ask for help. There are also many (underused) academic resources on campus, such as the learning center and writing center. Professors are also willing to help, and getting to know some of them could really pay off when it comes to grading and in the long run.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The first-year dorms are set up so that you can make new friends quickly, as long as you're willing to step out of your comfort zone. Roommates are matched on a few key traits, and I've known many who have remained friends throughout college and beyond. The resident advisors (RAs) are generally approachable and understanding, and host fun events throughout the year, such as movie and game nights. A lot of events have free food too!
It's also worth taking a look at the billboards near the dorms; I heard of many opportunities to get involved on campus through those. After the first year, there are many more dorms to choose from, and they do a great job of catering to different personalities and interests.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
There is sooo much to choose from in terms of food options. Contrary to what I expected, most food at the dining halls is quite healthy, and there are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options, among others. Having said that, you likely will not struggle to find your favorite cravings. The dining hall staff is very receptive to feedback, and they make changes throughout the year to satisfy student needs. Apart from dining halls, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes both on and off campus. You will not be disappointed!
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
As many have already said, Franklin Street is the place to be. It's a great spot to relax, eat, and just take an evening stroll. School spirit is huge here, and UNC students bond over our shared love of the Tar Heels sports teams more than anything else. Many people have heard about UNC basketball, but other sports such as football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey deserve a mention.
On campus, the pit is always very lively, and throughout the year different clubs, such as Greek life organizations, a cappella and dance groups, campus ministries, and the Resident Hall Association (RHA) host a variety of events.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
All types of students can find their niche at UNC. If you're highly studious and driven, you will definitely be in good company. Whether you like to work alone or in groups, you will find others who have a similar working style. It doesn't matter what your personality or learning style is.
It's a large school, but it really doesn't feel that way. If you get involved and make an effort to meet new people, you will be surprised by how small and connected campus becomes. This is especially helpful if you don't know many people coming in, like me when I came.
No matter what kind of student you are, it helps to be humble and open-minded. It's unlikely that you'll be the best in all your classes, so understand that there's always a lot you can learn/gain from your peers.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are over 700 clubs and activities, and most students are involved. Fall Fest, hosted at the beginning of each year, showcases a variety of clubs and what they offer. I've found clubs to be a great way to de-stress, meet new people, and expand my network.
Take time to find the things that you're best at and the things that interest you the most, especially if you're not sure what you want to study in college. When it comes to making friends and meeting new people, BE YOURSELF. People will respect and appreciate you for that.
You will be challenged at UNC - there's no escaping that - but if you've done reasonably well in high school, doing well here is within your reach. For many, it just takes time to get used to a new environment and higher expectations. I'd say the difference between doing well and doing poorly lies in your class selection. You will be placed with an academic advisor, who will help you create a balanced schedule, so you can find space for classes that are required and classes that you find genuinely interesting. Unless you really have to, DON'T take more than five classes per semester, because each class may require a bit more than you're used to. And don't be afraid to ask for help. There are also many (underused) academic resources on campus, such as the learning center and writing center. Professors are also willing to help, and getting to know some of them could really pay off when it comes to grading and in the long run.
The first-year dorms are set up so that you can make new friends quickly, as long as you're willing to step out of your comfort zone. Roommates are matched on a few key traits, and I've known many who have remained friends throughout college and beyond. The resident advisors (RAs) are generally approachable and understanding, and host fun events throughout the year, such as movie and game nights. A lot of events have free food too! It's also worth taking a look at the billboards near the dorms; I heard of many opportunities to get involved on campus through those. After the first year, there are many more dorms to choose from, and they do a great job of catering to different personalities and interests.
There is sooo much to choose from in terms of food options. Contrary to what I expected, most food at the dining halls is quite healthy, and there are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options, among others. Having said that, you likely will not struggle to find your favorite cravings. The dining hall staff is very receptive to feedback, and they make changes throughout the year to satisfy student needs. Apart from dining halls, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes both on and off campus. You will not be disappointed!
As many have already said, Franklin Street is the place to be. It's a great spot to relax, eat, and just take an evening stroll. School spirit is huge here, and UNC students bond over our shared love of the Tar Heels sports teams more than anything else. Many people have heard about UNC basketball, but other sports such as football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey deserve a mention. On campus, the pit is always very lively, and throughout the year different clubs, such as Greek life organizations, a cappella and dance groups, campus ministries, and the Resident Hall Association (RHA) host a variety of events.
All types of students can find their niche at UNC. If you're highly studious and driven, you will definitely be in good company. Whether you like to work alone or in groups, you will find others who have a similar working style. It doesn't matter what your personality or learning style is. It's a large school, but it really doesn't feel that way. If you get involved and make an effort to meet new people, you will be surprised by how small and connected campus becomes. This is especially helpful if you don't know many people coming in, like me when I came. No matter what kind of student you are, it helps to be humble and open-minded. It's unlikely that you'll be the best in all your classes, so understand that there's always a lot you can learn/gain from your peers.
There are over 700 clubs and activities, and most students are involved. Fall Fest, hosted at the beginning of each year, showcases a variety of clubs and what they offer. I've found clubs to be a great way to de-stress, meet new people, and expand my network.